Our Board of Directors
Philip Smith – Executive Director
- Master of Public Administration from WVU, specializing in local governance and community development.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Virginia State University.
- Over 25 years of public service in nonprofit management, municipal planning, community development, and state agriculture programs.
In my opinion, the first fifty years of an organization’s existence are the most fun. Each year, the Garden’s development and programming gets better. With botany playing a central role, we can curate plant collections that bring us joy as well as historical and scientific value. What’s more—community is so beautifully integrated with the natural history, well-being, and cultural experience programming. Our staff, volunteers, members, and visitors each play a daily role in making West Virginia a better place through their interaction with this organization.
– Philip
Victoria Cather – President
- Realtor – Old Colony Realtors
- Master Gardener
- WVBG Board member since 2011
- WVU College of Creative Arts Visiting Board Member
- Native of Morgantown
I have always had a love of the outdoors and the treasures it has to offer. It has become my passion to help make a difference in the growth of the West Virginia Botanic Garden. I look forward to the WVBG becoming a tourism, education, and venue destination for our great state.
– Victoria
Beth Gross – Vice President
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Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Northern District of West Virginia
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Former Assistant State Public Defender in Harrison County WV
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2010 Graduate of WVU College of Law and 2007 Graduate of WVU Eberly College of Arts & Sciences
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Mom of two wild little boys and two loved doggies
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National Park and outdoor enthusiast!
I love the Botanic Garden so much because it has really brought my family together in ways I could never have imagined. We share so many walks here where we all actually talk. It gives us a way to connect to our community, nature, and importantly, each other. We love to attend all of the events available, both educational and social, where we can meet likeminded friends and enjoy the garden in a different way.
– Beth
Linda Bagby — Secretary
- Professional Landscape Architect
- Member of Wesley United Methodist Church
- Member of the Morgantown Newcomers Club
- Resident of Morgantown since 1992
This Garden is a wonderful resource for our community! It is a place to experience the beauty of both natural and designed landscapes. It is a place where the wide diversity of plants that grow in this region can be showcased. It is a place to relax, de-stress, have a walk or run, and be inspired by new wonders every season if not every day. Best of all, it is a place where people can learn and appreciate many great things about life in West Virginia.
– Linda
Dave Barnett – Treasurer
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Retired as Independent Sales Representative in the Outdoor Recreation Industry.
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Active with the Morgantown Tree Board.
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From Wilmington, DE, resident of West Virginia for 28 years.
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Worked in the Landscape Industry for 10 years.
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WVU Forestry graduate.
– Dave
Nancy Abrams
- Writer & photographer; former journalist
- Author, The Climb from Salt Lick: A Memoir of Appalachia, published by West Virginia University Press
- Monongalia County Special Olympics, Executive committee
- WVU Campus Club, Former president,
- Co-owner and board member of
communally owned farm in Preston County, WV Resident of Morgantown for more than 20 years
I love the botanic garden because it offers different opportunities to different audiences. It is an educational experience for children and adults. It is a beautiful respite from our harried lives. Visitors can explore the intersection of the natural world and cultivated gardens. It is a glorious addition to the Morgantown community.
– Nancy
Amy Armentrout
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WVU Alumni
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6 years at MVB Bank, Banking Center Manager
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Co-Chair of Women United fundraising committee
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North Carolina born, WV raised
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Sports and live music enthusiast
I’m grateful to have such a beautiful place in Morgantown-West Virginia for that matter- that brings all people together in nature. The Terrace provides a beautiful space to gather for special events, big and small. We are lucky to have WVBG in our back yard.
– Amy
Hannah Booth
- Interim Director of Communications, Marketing & Technology, WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
- Two-time West Virginia University graduate
- West Virginia native
- Resident of Morgantown for 12+ years
Exploring the West Virginia Botanic Garden is one of my favorite activities here in Morgantown. It’s the perfect place to escape for a bit and recharge in the peaceful surroundings. The educational resources available for all ages at the garden are also hard to beat — there’s truly something for everyone here.
– Hannah
Nick Borror
Rod Brundage
- Manager West Virginia University: Sponsored Projects Financial Management
- Graduate of WVU: MBA, University of Massachusetts Medical School: PhD, and The University of Hawaii, Manoa, B.S. Zoology
- 25+ year resident of Monongalia County
- 10+ years on the board of the West Virginia Botanic Garden
– Rod
Danin Cather
- Chief Marketing Officer, West Virginia First Foundation
- Leadership Monongalia Graduate
- Girls on the Run volunteer & coach
- Florida native, Resident of Morgantown since 2014
I love the West Virginia Botanic Garden because it is a perfect place for friends, family and community. It is a hidden gem in Morgantown and I look forward to helping others find out about our happy place.
– Danin
Lynn Cayton
- Semi-retired business development professional
- Current consultant to the pharmaceutical industry
- Former Head of Business Development, pharmaceutical industry
- WVU Graduate, BS Accounting, MBA
- Mon County resident for nearly 50 years
- Gardening and hiking enthusiast
It has been fun to witness the amazing transformation of the WVBG through the years. The evolution of the site has been thoughtful and deliberate. It is a fantastic place to commune with nature and get some exercise in the process! I am happy to play a part in the future progress of this wonderful, magical place.
– Lynn
Greg Dahle
- Professor of Urban Forestry, West Virginia University
- Chair of Morgantown Tree Board
- Vice President of Mid Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
My family discovered the Botanic Gardens shortly after moving to Morgantown. During our countless walks, we have enjoyed seeing the growth around the Gardens. Especially the changes over the past ten years. I am excited to work with the Board of Directors setting the path for the future of this jewel in Northern West Virginia.
– Greg
Jennifer Henderson
- Human Resources Leader
- WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics and WVU Eberly College of Arts & Sciences alumna
- West Virginia native
- Resident of Morgantown for 20+ years
The West Virginia Botanic Garden is a hidden gem. My husband and I enjoy daily walks with our three dogs. It is a perfect place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of West Virginia. My hope is that more and more families will have the opportunity to visit and enjoy all the gardens have to offer.
– Jennifer
Nikky Luna
- Sr. Manager, Communications/Development, Nourish West Virginia at the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health; Freelance writer
- WVU alumna (MS, IMC, 2012)
- West Virginia-raised (Parkersburg); moved to Morgantown in 2013
- Member/Deacon, First Presbyterian Church Morgantown
- Member of Beer and Hymns Morgantown
Experiencing nature is a gift, and the WV Botanic Garden amplifies that in unique and meaningful ways that I’m grateful to have experienced firsthand. It is a privilege to serve alongside friends who are deeply committed to preserving, sustaining, and growing this beautiful community resource.
– NIkky
Kelly Nix
- Associate Professor Emeritus, Organizational Leadership, Chambers College of Business and Economics, WVU
- Former Associate Professor, Leadership Specialist, Extension Service, WVU
- Certified Yoga Teacher, Gallup Strengths Coach & Meeting Facilitator
- West Virginia native and resident of Monongalia County for over 30 years
The West Virginia Botanic Garden’s mission deeply resonates with my love for nature and the outdoors. The Garden has been a meaningful part of my life—I’ve enjoyed its trails, concert series, educational programs, dinner events, and so much more—and I truly appreciate the vital role it plays in our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a place that inspires and connects people through nature.
– Kelly
Andrew Sealy
- President of Cardinal Creative
- WVU Alumnus
- Leadership WV 2025 Graduate
- Native of New York, West Virginia Resident for 15 Years
I’ve always loved the outdoors, and the West Virginia Botanic Garden is one of my favorite places to enjoy nature. I especially enjoy introducing friends and family to the Garden, and we’re always looking forward to the next event we can attend. It’s a truly beautiful, must-visit place that I’m proud to support.
– Andrew
Elizabeth Taylor
- CPA in private practice
- Decades of experience with mission based organizations as staff, volunteer, patron
- Leader of National Outings for the Sierra Club for over 20 years
- Resident of NC for over 40 years, recently relocated to Morgantown
The first time I visited the Gardens I knew I had found a special place to be in the out of doors. Every event, program and person I have met further validates that this is a community that I feel privileged to be a part of.
– Elizabeth
Sally Taylor
- Retired Registered Nurse/Health Care Administrator/Health Educator
- Former employment with the Monongalia County Board of Health and Board of Education; WVU Schools of Community Medicine and Nursing – Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Graduate of Carlow University (Pittsburgh) and West Virginia University
- Board member of the Service League of Morgantown
- WVBG Board member for 10 years, currently Chair of Grants Committee
- Resident of Morgantown since 1970
– Sally
Ex-Officio Members
Zach Fowler – WVU Core Arboretum
- Director, West Virginia University Core Arboretum
- Service Associate Professor, West Virginia University Department of Biology
- Board Member, Friends of the Cheat
- Past Board Member, Brooks Bird Club
- Lifelong resident of West Virginia, lived in Morgantown since 2005
– Zach
Jenny Selin – City of Morgantown
- 15 year member of Morgantown City Council
- Former Mayor of Morgantown
- Academic degrees in Park Planning and Law
– Jenny
Life Directors
Frank Scafella, Jr.
- Retired – Morgantown City Council member, former Mayor